requirements & judging criteria for all act-so · pdf filerequirements & judging...

Requirements & Judging Criteria

for All Act-So Categories

(Version 1)

For more information, please visit: www.ActSoNewJersey.org

New Jersey Today's Youth...Tomorrow's Legends

2

Table of Contents

Page(s)

The Humanities 3-7

Music Composition 4

Original Essay 5 Playwriting 6 Poetry 7

The Performing Arts 8-15

Dance 9 Dramatics 10 Music Instrumental / Classical 11 Music Instrumental / Contemporary 12

Music Vocal / Classical 13 Music Vocal / Contemporary 14 Oratory 15

The Visual Arts 16-22

Architecture 17 Drawing 18 Filmmaking 19

Painting 20

Photography 21 Sculpture 22

Business 23-24 Entrepreneurship 24

The Sciences 25 All Sciences 26-27



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The Humanities

Music Composition

The science or art of arranging music by ordering tones or sounds in succession,

in combination or in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity

and continuity.

Short Story

A brief examination of a subject in prose usually expressing a personal view or

interpretation of a subject or topic.

Playwriting

A literary composition developed for the stage.

Poetry

A composition, marked by language chosen for its sound, beauty and evocative

power.



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Music Composition

The science or art of arranging music by ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination or in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) original notarized composition with six (6) copies of the notarized original should be submitted on or before the specified deadline.

2. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number and unit name and number.

3. The composition must be neatly and precisely written on music manuscript paper, in such a manner that any trained musician could perform the composition. Before submission, all electronically generated manuscripts (Finale, Sibelius, etc.) must be proofread to ensure proper quantization in the final print generated composition.

4. The contestant must provide a CD recording of the composition and be prepared to perform or have the composition performed on site. A piano will be the only instrument provided.

5. The composition must not exceed five (5) minutes. Note: The deadline for submission of national registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

Creative sense (10 pts)

Form (20 pts)

Harmonic and rhythmic interest (20 pts)

Strength of melodic line (20 pts)

Use of theory (20 pts)

Quality of transcript (10 pts)



5

Original Essay

A brief examination of a subject in prose usually expressing a personal view or interpretation of a subject or topic.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) notarized short story written only by the contestant, with six (6) copies of the notarized original should be submitted on or before the specified deadline. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number, and unit name and number.

2. The Short Story should have a single story line without subplots, no more than three or four characters, a single viewpoint and a short time scale. The story must be typed, double spaced and between 1000 and 1500 words.

3. The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.

Contestants Will Be Judged by the Following Criteria:

General Merit (25 pts) 1. Ideas (single storyline, no subplots, 3-4chracter, single viewpoint (2 at most),

short time scale) 2. Organization (consistent writing style, consistent mood ,tone and space) 3. Wording (appropriate language, brief descriptions) 4. Flavor

Mechanics (25 pts) 1. Usage 2. Punctuation/Capitalization 3. Spelling

Overall Effect (50 pts) (Minimum background, concise dialogue, no lengthy preamble, no contrived ending)



6

Playwriting

A literary composition developed for the stage.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) original notarized one act play, with six (6) copies of the notarized original, should be submitted on or before the specified deadline.

2. The play must be an original (written only by the contestant).

3. The play must be typed and double spaced, not to exceed twenty (20) pages. A one-page synopsis must be included.


5. The contestant must be prepared to answer questions by the judges. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.


Characterization (10 pts) – Is there a protagonist of some type? Is there an antagonist? Are the characters in the play developed? Are the roles defined?

Clarity (10 pts) – Is the author’s theme and purpose clearly stated?

Content (25 pts) – Is the subject matter or situation of the play relevant, creative, and/or controversial?

Dialogue (10 pts) – Is the word usage or phrasing consistent with the character? Does the dialogue advance the plotline or develop the character’s background?

Mechanics (10 pts) – Is the manuscript clearly typed? Are there errors in spelling and/or grammar? Are the stage directions clearly stated? Are the settings and characters clearly indicated?

Plot (25 pts) – Has the storyline been clearly defined? Has the action of the play been chronologically developed? Is there evidence of:

a. Exposition b. Complication c. Climax d. Conclusion

Style (10 pts) – Has the playwright established a definitive method or style?



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Poetry

A composition, marked by language chosen for its sound, beauty and evocative power.

Requirements:

1. Submit (1) notarized original poem, along with six (6) copies of the notarized original on or before the specified deadline.


3. Poems should be typed, using 12 point Times New Roman, Verdana, Georgia, or Comic Sans. Please no other fancy typefaces or graphics. Poems should retain original form that they were created in and do not have to be double-spaced. Individual poems may be free verse or rhymed metrical poetry containing stanzas. Poems should not exceed 3 pages.

4. The contestants will be interviewed about their work by the judges. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.


Emotional Connection (20 pts)- Is the poet emotionally connected to the topic they are writing about and does the poem elicit an emotional response from the reader?

Original Thought (20 pts) - Has the poet tackled an interesting subject or created something new with their work, or are they simply parroting belief systems or ideas that they have heard from someone else.

Sequential development (20 pts) - Does the poem follow a distinct path or does it wander without every really getting to the point. Are there too many things going on in the poem? Is there a strong ending, or is it forced?

Structure or form, and overall presentation (20 pts) - How is the poem constructed? Are there appropriate line and stanza breaks? Does the poem have a strong title? Does the poem contain appropriate grammar and punctuation?

Use of language as it relates to theme (20 pts) - Does the poet use figurative language including vivid imagery, similes, metaphors, hyperbole, or idiom? Is the voice active, are the senses engaged?



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The Performing Arts

Dance

To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually

performed to music.

Dramatics

The art of staging or acting plays.

Music Instrumental / Classical

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with tones of the late

18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and

moderation.

Music Instrumental / Contemporary

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with the tones of the

present.

Music Vocal / Classical

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds of the late

18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and

moderation.

Music Vocal / Contemporary

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds to produce

music with the tones of the present.

Oratory

The art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively. (This is not a dramatic

presentation)



9

Dance

To perform a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usually performed to music.

Requirements:

1. The solo performance must not exceed five (5) minutes. Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.

2. Costumes are optional, but should be appropriate to the choreography performed.

3. Musical accompaniment must be provided by the contestant on a standard cassette or CD player clearly marked with the student’s name and branch. The cassette/CD must contain only the music for the performance. It is recommended that the contestant provide a backup tape.

4. The theme and the dance form (ballet, modern, jazz, ethnic, etc.) of the performance must be identified to the judges prior to the presentation.

5. Aerobic exercises, street dancing, cheerleading and drill team routines may not be used. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.


Technical Proficiency/Skill (25 pts) 1. Alignment 2. Strength 3. Endurance 4. flexibility 5. coordination

Clarity and Consistency in Style (25 pts)

Phrasing/Dynamics/Musicality (25 pts)

Clarity of Intent/Interpretation of Choreography (25 pts)



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Dramatics

The art of staging or acting plays.

Requirements:

1. The performance must be a minimum of three (3) minutes and maximum of five (5) minutes. Contestants not adhering to the minimum and maximum time requirements are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.

2. The selection must be of literate quality.

3. The material must be memorized.

4. Costumes, makeup, and props are optional, but not required. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition..


Projection (10 pts)

Structure (10pts): Does the performance have transitions/beats and a clear beginning, middle, climax, and end?

Memorization (10 pts)

Movement (10 pts) : Is the blocking clear and does the actor commit to and follow through with his/her movements and gestures?

Emotional Connection and Honesty (10pts): Are you really "selling" that you are becoming this character or are you simply "play-acting" ?

Imagination and Creativity (15pts) : Are you bringing something different to the piece or are you just reciting lines?

Stage Presence (10pts)

Character Work (10pts)

Specificity of Acting Choices (10pts): Clear pursuit of Actions/Objectives

Creation of the Space (5pts)



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Music Instrumental / Classical

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with tones of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation. Requirements:

1. The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances. The performance may be an excerpt and may not exceed five (5) minutes. Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirements are subject to disqualification.

2. Contestants must bring six (6) copies of the sheet music to present to the judges at the time of competition.

3. If the selection chosen is written with piano accompaniment, it must be performed in that manner. Contestants requesting accompaniment must submit sheet music with their registration packet.

4. The composition to be performed must be consistent with the nature of the instrument and the level of musical proficiency of the performer.

5. The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.

6. The only instrument provided for the performances will be a piano. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition..


Interpretation, Expression, Tempo, Phrasing, and Historically appropriate style (20 pts)

Intonation and touch (piano) (20 pts)

Stage presence, choice of music (20 pts)

Technique, articulation, Breathing, Rhythm, Facility and Accuracy (20 pts)

Tone quality, Beauty, Control, Characteristic timbre (20 pts)



12

Music Instrumental / Contemporary

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with the tones of the present.

Requirements:

1. The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances and may not exceed five (5) minutes. Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.

2. The selection performed should feature a solo performance. If other players are needed (as in a jazz selection), they must be provided by the contestant.

3. The only instrument provided for performance will be a piano. Any additional instruments or equipment needed must be provided by the contestant.

4. The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.

5. Examples of contemporary music are Broadway, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, etc. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition..


Effectiveness of style, Improvisation (20 pts)

Intonation, Touch (piano) (20 pts)

Stage presence, Choice of music (20 pts)

Technique, Articulation, Breathing, Tonality, Rhythm, Facility (20 pts)

Tone quality, Beauty, Control, Characteristic timbre (20 pts)



13

Music Vocal / Classical

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) song is to be performed, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes. Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.

2. Musical accompaniment can be provided by the contestant on a standard cassette tape. The cassette/CD tape should contain only the instrumental version of the song. Contestants are encouraged to provide a backup tape.

3. Contestants requesting accompaniment must submit sheet music with their registration packet.

4. Contestants must present six copies of the sheet music to the judges at the time of competition.


6. Costumes are not required. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition..


Choice of Music (10 pts)

Diction (25 pts) a. Correctness of pronunciation

Interpretation (10 pts) a. Expression b. Phrasing c. Historically appropriate style d. Tempo

Intonation (10 pts)

Stage presence (10 pts)

Technique (10 pts) a. Breathing b. Posture c. Rhythm, d. Accuracy

Tone quality (25 pts) a. Beauty of sound b. Control



14

Music Vocal / Contemporary

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds to produce music with the tones of the present.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) song is to be performed, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes. Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to disqualification.

2. Musical accompaniment can be provided by the contestant on a standard cassette tape or CD. The cassette tape or CD should contain only the instrumental version of the song. Contestants are encouraged to provide a backup tape.

3. Piano accompaniment is available only if the contestant has provided and brings his/her own sheet music.


5. Costumes are not permitted.

6. Microphones are permitted and will be provided.

7. Examples of contemporary music are Broadway, Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Blues, Soul and Country and Western.

Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition..


Choice of Music (15 pts): a. Matched to vocal ability

Interpretation (20 pts): a. Expression b. Phrasing c. Style d. Tempo e. Arrangement

Stage presence (15 pts): a. Comfort on and control of stage, b. Posture, c. Rapport with audience

Technique (25 pts): a. Breathing b. Posture c. Rhythm d. Accuracy

Tone quality (25 pts): a. Beauty of sound b. Control c. Intonation and Diction



15

Oratory

The art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively. (This is not a dramatic presentation.)

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) speech is to be presented, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes.

2. The selection of the speech is the decision of the contestant; it should either be an original (written by the contestant) or an excerpt from a speech written by a famous individual or historical figure.

3. The speech is not to be presented as a dramatic presentation.

4. Costumes and props are not permitted.

5. The material must be completely memorized.

6. Contestants are encouraged to prepare and deliver original selections. However, if the contestant decides to present a selection already published, we recommend that they not limit their selection to speeches delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There are many great speeches by famous people, such as Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Malcolm X, etc.

Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition..


Delivery (25 pts) a. Voice b. Diction c. Pronunciation d. Enunciation e. Gestures f. Emphasis

Interpretation (25 pts) a. Content b. Subject Adherence c. Theme d. Logic and Color

Platform Presence (25 pts) a. Poise b. Appeal, c. Impression, d. Attitude and Effect

Projection (25 pts) a. Voice b. Emphasis c. Tone d. Pitch e. Volume



16

The Visual Arts

Architecture

The science, art or profession of designing buildings or outdoor spaces.

Drawing

The art of representing forms and figures on a surface by means of lines.

Filmmaking

The art and process of making motion pictures.

Painting

The art of laying on paints with a brush or a knife.

Photography

The process, art and technique of taking images recorded by a camera and

reproducing them on a photosensitive surface.

Sculpture

The art of making three-dimensional figures or designs.



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Architecture

The science, art or profession of designing buildings or outdoor spaces. Requirements:

1. Only one (1) original project may be submitted. The project must be the creation of the competing contestant, rather than a replication of another architect’s design.

2. Six (6) copies of a typed 8-½ inch by 11-inch double-spaced paper must accompany the project. The content of the paper, which should not exceed five (5) pages, should include overall statement of goals and processes, design objectives, the history of the project and execution of the project. The student’s name, page number and branch must be on the top of each page. The six (6) copies of the paper must be submitted on or before the deadline specified.

3. Blueprints of the project must be 24 x 36 inches in length or width. The contestant must also submit a site plan, floor plan, a minimum of two (2) elevations and a section of the design at appropriate scale.

4. Contestants are required to make an oral presentation, not to exceed five (5) minutes, explaining his/her project. This time limit does not include the time required for the judges to ask questions and the contestant to respond to the judges.

5. Contestants are required to construct a scaled model of his or her project. (Display tables and electricity will be provided by the national office.)

6. Contestants must submit a Verification form from a qualified architect with an earned professional degree or license. This person can also serve as a coach, working closely with the student during the course of the project to ensure the accuracy of the student’s research and qualification for entry.

Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.


Complexity of Project/Originality (15 pts)

Planning and Space Concepts (10 pts)

Aesthetics (10 pts)

Consistency and Validity of Design Concepts (10 pts)

Drawings (15 pts) a. Quality of line work b. Organization of drawings

Model (10 pts) a. Workmanship b. Scale

Site Analysis/Design (15 pts)

Construction Materials/Methods of Construction (5 pts)

Written Statement (5 pts) a. Explaining Project b. Establishing Parameters c. Identifying Project Limitations

and Design Objectives

Verbal Presentation (5 pts)



18

Drawing

The art of representing forms and figures on a surface by means of lines.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) project can be submitted.

2. The National Office will provide easels.

3. The contestant is required to make an oral presentation, which will not exceed three (3) minutes, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project. Mounting and matting is preferred.

4. The submission should be no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches. Framing is optional.

5. The oral presentation must not exceed three (3) minutes.

6. The contestant must be available to answer questions from the judges. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.


Composition (20 pts)

Line/Form (20 pts)

Presentation (20 pts)

Technique/Craftsmanship (20 pts)

Theme (20 pts)



19

Filmmaking

The art and process of making motion pictures.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) film is to be entered.

2. The running time of the film must not exceed five (5) minutes.

3. A storyboard or project theme must be associated with the film. Please Note: Storyboards are

NOT stills taken from the film, rather they are original drawings, sketches, etc. completed PRIOR

to the execution of the film.

4. Only one (1) film is to be entered in DVD format.

5. The running time for the film must not exceed five (5) minutes.

6. A playback unit will be provided.

7. Films should be submitted on a single DVD packaged in a standard 5 1/4 x 7 1/2 plastic DVD

case. Do not put labels on the DVD

8. DVD’s must be compatible with standard set-top DVD players.

Do not simply burn a QuickTime or AVI file to a disc as data. This may render your film unplayable. Make sure your disc plays in a standard DVD player before you submit your entry. Note: The deadline for submission of national registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

Creative (25 pts)

a. Storyboard (10 pts) - how effectively did the competitor execute the ideas presented on the

storyboard in their piece?

b. Originality (15 pts)- Did the competitor try to challenge him/her self to do something different

and interesting. Did they have a new and interesting way of retelling an old story/concept?

Creativity of approach or concept

Production (35 pts)

a. Direction/Structure (25 pts) – the use of camera, choice of shots to help convey the story,

framing, camera movement, clarity of story

b. Use of light (10 pts) – Are actors and/or environment lit effectively

Sound (15 pts)

a. Use of audio effects /music (10 pts)

b. Audibility (5pts) – Is dialogue audible

Post Production (25 pts)

a. Editing (20 pts)– Approach in editing to tell the story more effectively.

b. Titles (5 pts)



20

Painting

The art of laying on paints with a brush or a knife.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) project can be entered.

2. The National Office will provide easels.

3. The contestant is required to make an oral presentation, which will not exceed three (3) minutes, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project.

4. The contestant must be available to answer questions from the judges.

5. The submission should be no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches. Framing is optional. Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.


Color (20 pts)


Craft (20 pts)

Line/Form (20 pts)

Theme (20 pts)



21

Photography

The process, art and technique of taking images recorded by a camera and reproducing them on a photosensitive surface.

Requirements:

1. No more than six (6) photographs can be submitted or one (1) collage of work.

2. The photographs must be uniformly mounted using white, black or gray boards

3. The photographs and/or mounting boards must be no larger than 20x16 inches and mounted on white, black, or gray color boards.

4. The contestant is required to make an oral presentation, which will not exceed three (3) minutes, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project.

5. The National Office will provide display tables. Note: The deadline for submission of national registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.


Choice of film (15pts)

o Black and white, color slide or color negative

Cleanness (15 pts)


Effective use of light (35 pts)

Mounting of photographs (15 pts)



22

Sculpture

The art of making three-dimensional figures or designs.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) project can be entered.

2. The National Office will provide easels and display table space.

3. Each contestant is required to make an oral presentation explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project.

4. Oral presentations must not exceed three (3) minutes.

5. Craft projects (i.e. ceramics, macramé, etc.) will not be accepted. Note: The deadline for submission of national registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.


Concept (20 pts)


Craftsmanship (20 pts)

How well the medium was applied (20 pts)

3-Dimensional Form (20 pts)



23

Business

Entrepreneurship

Refers to owning, organizing, and managing your own business by providing a

necessary product or service.



24

Entrepreneurship

Refers to owning, organizing, and managing your own business by providing a necessary product or service.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) business plan may be submitted per student.

2. Six (6) copies of a typed 8-½-inch by 11-inch double spaced business plan must accompany the project. The business plan, which should be a minimum of ten (10) pages and not to exceed twenty (20) pages, should include a cover page, executive summary, company description, a marketing plan, a management plan and a financial plan, in addition to any supporting documents (i.e. graphs, photographs, statistical data). The student’s name, page number and branch must be at the top of each page. The six (6) copies must be submitted on or before the specified deadline.

3. The contestant is required to make an oral presentation, not to exceed five (5) minutes, explaining his/her business plan.

4. A visual presentation in the form of a display, slide show, overhead or PowerPoint presentation should be provided.

5. Contestants should be familiar with business terminology in general and about terminology related to their selected product/service.

6. Contestants are required to have personally conducted the business plan analysis and have been involved with the production of any prototype product or service trials.

7. The NAACP ACT-SO Program will provide electrical power and an LCD projector. Contestants must provide a laptop.

Note: The deadline for submission of national registration documents is the first Friday in May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.. Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

Written Business Plan a. Marketing Strategy b. Management Plan/Personnel Profiles c. Financial Plan d. Market Research & Analysis e. Government Requirements f. Product/Service Knowledge g. Customer Service Plan h. Creativity/Originality

Oral Presentation a. Comfort Level of Product/Service

Knowledge b. Social Responsibility/Contribution to

the Community c. Presentation Style

Visual Presentation



25

The Sciences

Biology / Microbiology

The science of life or of the origin, structure, reproduction, growth and development of

living organisms collectively.

Chemistry / Biochemistry

The science that deals with the composition, structure and properties of chemical

processes and phenomena of substances and the transformation that they undergo.

Computer Science

The science that deals with the theoretical aspects of computers including storage and

the transformation of data using computers.

Earth and Space Sciences

The body of sciences that include geology, mineralogy, physiography, oceanography,

meteorology, climatology, astronomy, speleology, seismology, geography, etc.

Engineering

Technology. Projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and

practical uses.

Mathematics

The science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations,

generalizations, and abstractions of spaced configurations and their structure.

Development of formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations

and the application of these principles.

Medicine and Health

The study of diseases and health of humans and animals.

Physics

Theories, principles and laws governing energy and the effect of energy on matter.



26

All Sciences

If you plan on entering any of the Science categories, please visit www.ActSoNewJersey.org to

download a comprehensive guide for planning, executing and presenting your project(s).

Requirements

1. Only one (1) project can be entered per area.

2. Six (6) copies of a typed 8-½ inch by 11 inch, double-spaced scientific paper must

accompany the project to be submitted. The content of the paper, which should not

exceed five (5) pages, should include: a short introduction describing the background

and purpose of the work, an experimental section including both methods and results,

and a concluding section discussing the results and their implications. Tables, graphs,

charts, maps, photographs, raw statistical data, etc. should be included whenever

possible. They must also include references used and acknowledgements of any

individuals who served as direct academic resources. The student’s name, page

number and unit name and number must be on the top of each page. Six (6) copies of

the supporting documents, as well as the six copies of the paper must be submitted on

or before the specified deadline.

3. The contestant is to make an oral presentation explaining his or her project. The oral

presentation should not exceed five (5) minutes. This time limit does not include the time

required for the judges to ask question and for the contestant to respond to the judges’

questions.

4. Contestants are responsible for providing their own equipment.

5. The NAACP ACT-SO Program will provide electrical power and display tables.

6. Contestants must submit a Science Verification Form from a qualified scientist or

science teacher with an earned professional degree or license. This person can also

serve as a coach, working closely with the student during the course of the project to

ensure the accuracy of the student’s research and qualifications for entry.

NOTE: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in

May. No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition.

http://www.actsonewjersey.org/



27

Scientific Projects will be judged by the following criteria:

Quality of Research (40 pts)

a. Scientific Approach/Method

b. Validity of Information

c. Validity of Conclusion(s)

Depth of Understanding (40 pts)

a. Oral Presentation

b. Knowledge Gained and Creativity

c. Thoroughness

d. Individual Work

Written Report (10 pts)

Visual Presentation (10 pts)

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